Why Do Dogs Eat Grass (and Vomit)?

Is your dog eating grass? Are then vomiting yellow bile?

Often dog owners wonder, "why is my dog eating grass?" Some dogs enjoy a little vegetation to munch on. But many times, dogs are eating grass due to an upset stomach.

Here are some common reasons why your dog might be eating grass:

• Some dogs simply like the taste of grass
• Eating grass may be a way to fulfill an unmet nutritional need, such as fiber, vitamins or minerals
• Eating grass may be a dog's attempt to induce vomit or calm an upset stomach

Is Your Dog Eating Grass and Throwing Up Frequently?

If your dog is frequently eating grass and then vomiting, its different than just occasionally nibbling.

Much of the time when dogs are eating grass frequently, it is due to painful acid reflux or an upset stomach. Pet owners may not realize their dog is experiencing discomfort. For more information on acid stomach home remedies, click here.

Stomach Acid and Acid Reflux in Dogs

Acid reflux and acid stomach in dogs are painful conditions. Acid collects in the stomach and irritates the stomach lining and esophagus. Over time, the stomach acid can wear away tissue in the esophagus, causing open sores or ulcers, which can bleed and make swallowing difficult and painful. Common symptoms of acid reflux in dogs may include the following:

• Lack of appetite, especially in the morning
• Vomiting of bile
• Throwing up undigested food shortly after its consumed
• Coughing (pets with collapsed trachea often have acid reflux)
• Regurgitation noises, burping and gagging
• Hunching over after eating
• Gulping or loud gurgling noises
• Licking or smacking of the lips
• Panting a few hours after meals
• Lick Fits (frantic licking of floors, walls, grass, dirt)
• Restlessness or pacing after eating

Signs Your Dog is Eating Grass Because of an Underlying Digestive Condition

To better understand why your dog is eating grass, ask yourself the following questions:

Is your dog "drawn" to the grass, or showing signs of needing to get to the grass such as whining or pulling toward it? Does your dog eat grass and then vomit afterward? Is your dog vomiting frequently, or is your dog vomiting grass and bile? Is your dog eating large amounts of grass? Is your dog routinely wanting to eat grass?

Some grazing on grass is natural for a dog, but when they are eating grass frantically this can be a sign of acid stomach or digestive problems. Many times dogs eat grass as a way to make themselves vomit too. If you notice your dog eating grass frequently or eating a lot of grass, then it's important to watch for other signs of digestive problems. Many pet owners don't realize that their pets may be in pain from acid stomach.

Restoring the gut flora that leads to a healthy digestive tract is key to relieving your pet’s painful symptoms. Using gentle yet effective all natural supplements can help your dog and eventually stop them from eating grass. We’ve broken down the signs of acid stomach and acid reflux in dogs and what you can do to provide relief for your pet.

What to Do If Your Dog is Frequently Eating Grass and Vomiting

If your dog is eating grass frequently, vomiting after, and has acid reflux or acid stomach, a proper diet and supplements could help provide them with relief. Home remedies that contain natural ingredients can promote friendly flora to support a healthy digestive tract and reduce dog regurgitation and grass-eating. A healthy diet will help alleviate acid reflux and reduce symptoms.

Recommended Supplements for Dogs with Acid Stomach

The Best Diet for a Dog That Eats Grass and Vomits

Take a moment to look at the diet you are feeding your pet. One reason pets may eat grass and vomit is because they have poor digestion or are reacting to the ingredients in their food.

The diet could contain grains, food allergens and starchy carbohydrates that are difficult to digest. The diet could be too high in fat.

For example, small bites of cheese or peanut butter may not seem like much, but they are high in fat and are huge allergens that can cause digestive discomfort. Many of the best-selling premium brands contain allergens or starchy carbohydrates that can cause a variety of digestive problems.

Changing your pet's diet, adding a few supplements to support digestion and feeding smaller meals throughout the day can help reduce grass eating. A snack before bedtime along with a probiotic supplement can be very helpful for dogs vomiting yellow bile in the morning.

What To Do Immediately When Your Dog Vomits Yellow Bile After Eating Grass

Some dogs eat grass and vomit yellow bile and foam. Bile is acidic and can irritate the stomach. It appears as a yellowish foamy substance. Bile is produced by the liver and is squirted into the intestines to help with digestion of fats and protein.

When a dog is throwing up bile regularly, it can end up in the stomach, causing irritation.

If your dog eats grass and then starts throwing up yellow foam regularly, please take your dog to the veterinarian for a check up. Finding the root cause of why your dog is eating grass and vomiting yellow bile is important to bringing your pet fast relief.

Try to look for the signs to understand the reasons behind your dog's grass eating.

If you notice your dog has rumbling tummy noises after eating grass or after eating meals, loose stool, gas, vomiting, diarrhea, bad breath or other signs of digestive discomfort, it is important to bring this to the attention of your veterinarian.

Basic laboratory tests for your dog (e.g., blood panel and urine analysis) will provide valuable information, as acid stomach can be a symptom of a more serious health condition such as kidney or liver disease, seizure activity or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in your dog.

Originally published Dec 11, 2023
Updated March 29, 2024
Written by: Susan Davis, Pet Health Nutritionist, CCN
All pet treatment protocols and pet treatment supplements have been reviewed and approved by a veterinarian